Agenda - 02-16-1981 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 ORANGE COUNTY LAND USE PLAN BINGHAM TOWNSHIP COMPONENT TOWNSHIP PROFIT SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS Bingham TbWnship consist of a predominantly rural landscape with limited 10W- ' density commercial and residential development. Farming remains an important activity in the township. About 40% of the County's dairy operations are located in Bingham TOwnship. Because of its location, however urban forces have begun to exert a influence. North Carolina Highway 54 running east-west across the central portion of the township acts as a connecting link between Bingham and the adjacent, expanding towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill. This highway and its several intersections provide a visible demonstration of the increasing impacts resulting from urbanization. Additional commercial uses have located along this route, particularly on the sections nearest the towns, creating concern about the potential for strip-type development along NC 54. Bingham Township is attracting new rural non-farm development because of its accessibility to Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham and Research Triangle Park as work places. In 1978 Bingham Township accounted for 13% of all building permits issues. Yet its estimated population for that some year amounted to only 5% 1 of the County total. Thus indicating that development activity this township was disproportionately high in comparison with the population. These trends are a course of concern among Bingham Township residents. As with many rural residents of the County, they see this new growth as a disquieting element in their lives. The designation of Cane Creek has created a very specific focus for this concern since it represents a conflict between two valuable and necessary land uses: agriculture and a water reservoir. The resolution of this issue, as well as the other land use issues facing Bingham Tbwnship, should seek to balance completing uses in a way that enhances the public interests' benefits.